Which of the following attitudes is most likely to make you a safer driver?Which of the following attitudes is most likely to make you a safer driver?

A. When I drive, I have the main responsibility for my safety and the safety of other road users.

B. It is up to other drivers to avoid crashing into me.

C. Crashing or not crashing is a matter of luck.

The correct answer is A

Correct. You are the responsible person for your driving and the safety of others as a result of your driving.

Fines and penalties for dangerous driving

There are quite heavy fines and even prison sentences for driving irresponsibly because the implications for others that are affected by your actions can be life-changing and serious.

Remember that you are the one in control of the car, not your passengers, and you have a responsibility to be safe on the roads. Don't give in to peer pressure; if you are driving safely and one of your passengers doesn't like the way you drive then they have the choice of alternative arrangements like public transport or a taxi. Also, you have the choice of how to react in a situation - don't let anyone else's actions make you angry. If you retaliate and cause an accident the fines and penalties can be steep. There are plenty of people in prison who are there because they made a rash decision while behind the wheel.

Here is a list of some of the more serious transgressions and the penalties you can expect.

This is a list of some of the more serious offences:

Other driving offences

Penalties

First offence

Second or subsequent offence

Negligent driving where death is occasioned

Maximum court-imposed fine

$3,300

$5,500

Maximum gaol term

18 months

2 years

Disqualification - minimum

12 months

2 years

Disqualification - maximum

Unlimited

Unlimited

Disqualification - in the absence of a specific court order

3 years

5 years

Negligent driving where grievous bodily harm is occasioned

Maximum court-imposed fine

$2,200

$3,300

Maximum gaol term

9 months

12 months

Disqualification - minimum

12 months

2 years

Disqualification - maximum

Unlimited

Unlimited

Disqualification - in the absence of a specific court order

3 years

5 years

Furious driving; Reckless driving; Driving in a manner or at a speed dangerous

Maximum court-imposed fine

$2,200

$3,300

Maximum gaol term

9 months

12 months

Disqualification - minimum

12 months

2 years

Disqualification - maximum

Unlimited

Unlimited

Disqualification - in the absence of a specific court order

3 years

5 years

Fail to stop and give assistance in an accident involving death or injury

Maximum court-imposed fine

$3,300

$5,500

Maximum gaol term

18 months

2 years

Disqualification - minimum

12 months

2 years

Disqualification - maximum

Unlimited

Unlimited

Disqualification - in the absence of a specific court order

3 years

5 years

Other major offences mentioned in section 205 of the Road Transport Act 2013.